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The Blog

Warning: these posts are for 'adults'; people with the ability to think for themselves, take responsibility for their actions, and prepared to work for the greater good. If that isn't you, remember to wash your hands and face with soap regularly and don't touch anything. Stay home. The Internet has plenty of content to entertain you.

Canada shatters daily case record with over 3,400 more coronavirus infections.
https://globalnews.ca/news/7433933/coronavirus-canada-update-oct-30/

3,457 actually. (We have seen higher reported numbers on Mondays in the past, but not on a regular weekday.) 36 additional deaths. Active cases are 29,752, a level we last saw in July (before Quebec changed its reporting rules to drop their numbers by over 23,000 cases in one day. But the new levels are based on the newer, stricter threshold rules.

The U.S. set a new daily record for new cases yesterday: 98,859. That's just a single day.
Covid in the U.S.: Latest Map and Case Count
[dead link: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/coronavirus-us-cases.html]

Yet, somehow, senior elected officials in much of Canada and the U.S. seem to think this is OK, that the pandemic is under control. It's not - that's what the data is telling us, even with reduced testing levels. And despite the misuse of the term, this isn't the 'second wave'. That hasn't started yet. So get ready for worse unless our authorities shape up and bite the reality bullet this week. Otherwise, with the complicity of elected leaders, SARS-Cov-2 will be the virus that stole Christmas.

Masks

Masks MAY reduce the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses, if worn properly, kept clean and sterilized, and stored properly. They are not a cloak of invincibility.
Remember why you are wearing a mask: it protects others, not you. The assumption is that you ARE contagious, so behave as though you are contagious. (If that wasn't the assumption, you don't need a mask.)

Here's my synopsis of how to use a reusable cloth mask effectively.
  1) Stay home.
  2) Wash (with soap) or sanitize your hands frequently.
  3) Avoid social contacts with people you do not know, especially in
      high risk zones (e.g. urban areas in QU, ON, MB, SK, AB and BC).
  4) Maintain physical distancing even when wearing the mask.
  5) Supplement the mask with other PPE (e.g. face shield, face shield
       curtain).
  6) Maintain the hygiene of your masks (plural).
  7) Don them correctly to minimize contamination.
  8) Make sure they are well fitted to minimize side leakage gaps and
      cover your mouth, chin and NOSE.
      (Wearing a mask improperly flags you as an idiot.)
  9) Do not be adjusting your mask continually; that is an opportunity
      for contamination.
10) Doff your mask correctly, touching only the strings, cords or straps.
11) Store your used mask in a paper or plastic (impermeable) sleeve or
      bag until it can be washed or sterilized.
12) Treat your disposable mask as medical biohazard waste when you are
       finished using it.
If that seems complicated and burdensome, see item 1 above.

One of the lame disinformation memes I have encountered again recently is that wearing masks is part of a conspiracy to take away the rights of individuals, and we know this because the health officials changed their advice on mask wearing during the pandemic. The germ of truth in this con is that health officials did change their advice on masks. Not because it somehow infringed human rights, but because they learned something about the NOVEL coronavirus.

They learned, in one key way, the SARS-CoV-2 virus does not behave like the SARS-CoV virus, which was initially thought to be a good model for understanding the new virus. The original SARS virus did not make people infectious until after they exhibited symptoms.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sars/symptoms-causes/syc-20351765

The SARS-Cov-2 virus can spread from infected people who are not displaying symptoms (yet).
"... evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 RNA can be detected in people 1-3 days before their symptom onset, with the highest viral loads, as measured by RT-PCR, observed around the day of symptom onset, followed by a gradual decline over time. The duration of RT-PCR positivity generally appears to be 1-2 weeks for asymptomatic persons, and up to 3 weeks or more for patients with mild to moderate disease. In patients with severe COVID-19 disease, it can be much longer."
https://www.who.int/news-room/commentaries/detail/transmission-of-sars-cov-2-implications-for-infection-prevention-precautions

Vanderbilt Study: Areas without mask policies seeing higher COVID-19 hospitalizations
https://www.wbir.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/vanderbilt-study-areas-without-mask-policies-seeing-higher-covid-19-hospitalizations/51-0378dfc4-8224-41de-8797-848e350f53e8
The study report:
https://www.vumc.org/health-policy/sites/default/files/public_files/Vanderbilt%20COVID19%20Report-Oct%2027.pdf
It's worth a scan. See the image below as a sample of their findings.

And, COVID-19 isn't the flu.
"Most influenza virus infections cause mild and self-limiting disease; only a small fraction of case-patients require hospitalization."
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/26/5/19-0994_article
Does that sound like COVID-19 to you? This is an infectious virus that is overwhelming acute care facilities that have evolved over more than a century to deal with the flu as part of their baseline reality.

We're still learning about this virus. But this is something we have learned. Wear the mask. Wear it right. Not for you. For those around you. Set an example, so others can return the favour. To you. But it's not an invincibility cloak.

;-) COVID-19 Self-Testing
     https://www.econogics.com/COVID-19 Self Testing.mov
     (I don't have an attribution for this one)

Spread knowledge, not the virus.
Stay well, stay safe, stay sane, stay home if you can.
We're not done yet. Not nearly.
With thanks to those making the effort, every day, for us all.

Warning: these posts are for 'adults'; people with the ability to think for themselves, take responsibility for their actions, and prepared to work for the greater good. If that isn't you, remember to wash your hands and face with soap regularly and don't touch anything. Stay home. The Internet has plenty of content to entertain you.

2,956 new COVID-19 cases reported in Canada yesterday. Despite the happy talk from elected officials, things really aren't getting better, and this is still not the second wave - it's still the Thanksgiving weekend hangover. The lagging indicator, and less open to skewing by reduced testing, is the number of deaths. Yesterday, that number rose to 42. The trend line is starting to resemble that we saw in April.

The world is at about 45.5 million cases, and almost 1.2 million deaths from COVID-19. Over 545,000 new cases yesterday alone, with over 7,000 deaths in one day.

The U.S. set another new record for new cases yesterday at 91,530. Over 1,000 deaths. Again. Active case count is roughly 3 million people. I'm staggered by the idea that roughly 1% of the total population are active cases in the U.S. Remembering that 'recovered' includes people with new long-term conditions and organ damage from the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

(Digital) Deception

Battling fake science: University of Alberta launches free online science literacy course
https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/battling-fake-science-ualberta-launches-free-online-science-literacy-course

If you want to block YouTube disinformation, use this AdBlocker for your browser
I'm trying this one now for the last days of the U.S. electoral circus, and it seems to work.
https://adblockultimate.net/browsers
(Do your own research and diligence before installing any software on your computer. There is no reason you should trust me.)

MapleSEC: The ransomware attack that turned into a horror story
[dead site: https://www.itworldcanada.com/article/maplesec-the-ransomware-attack-that-turned-into-a-horror-story/436726]

New ransomware posing as COVID-19 tracing app targets Canada; ESET offers decryptor
https://www.welivesecurity.com/2020/06/24/new-ransomware-uses-covid19-tracing-guise-target-canada-eset-decryptor/

Canadian professor's website helps Russia spread disinformation, says U.S. State Department
https://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/russian-disinformation-global-research-website-1.5767208
I have called out Global Research before as a disinformation source.

Beware of misinformation during pandemic, Morrison warns
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-covid-19-pandemic-misinformation-1.5769422

Facebook bans groups that represent QAnon conspiracy theories
Critics say the move comes largely too late
https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/qanon-facebook-ban-1.5752903

This is equivalent of a newspaper putting the disinformation on page 1 above the fold, and issuing the retraction years later in the classified ads section. Some things can't be undone; there is an obligation on the part of those with power to distinguish between facts and lies, and call the latter out.
Facebook removes popular Quebec conspiracy theorist as part of campaign against QAnon
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/radio-qu%C3%A9bec-facebook-qanon-1.5753487

Botched Excel import may have caused loss of 15,841 UK COVID-19 cases
https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2020/10/excel-glitch-may-have-caused-uk-to-underreport-covid-19-cases-by-15841/
Oops! But it's only data - and people's lives. Personal techie peeve: Excel is not a database. And sometimes it's worth having somebody about who knows the difference between .xls and .xlsx. X = error this time.

As Local News Dies, a Pay-for-Play Network Rises in Its Place
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/18/technology/timpone-local-news-metric-media.html

;-) Q: What is the biggest lie in the entire universe?
     A: “I have read and agree to the Terms & Conditions.”

Spread knowledge, not the virus.
Stay well, stay safe, stay sane, stay home if you can.
We're not done yet. Not nearly.
With thanks to those making the effort, every day, for us all.

Warning: these posts are for 'adults'; people with the ability to think for themselves, take responsibility for their actions, and prepared to work for the greater good. If that isn't you, remember to wash your hands and face with soap regularly and don't touch anything. Stay home. The Internet has plenty of content to entertain you.

Wednesday brought reports of 2,699 more COVID-19 cases in Canada, and another 31 deaths. This despite the fact that testing numbers are dropping. Perhaps our officials are buying into the Trump messaging: if you test less, there will be fewer cases. From my management days, this truism puts the lie to that kind of 'thinking': you can't manage what you don't measure.

Let me try this another way. Suppose there are 1,000 people in your city with the SARS-CoV-2 virus and currently infectious. Which path do you want to follow?
1) No testing, so you have no idea how many are infected or who they are?
2) 50% effective testing so that half the infected individuals can self-isolate and be supported, and the other half roaming the city infecting others? Or,
3) 100% effective testing so we can isolate all infected individuals for the incubation period, ensure they are monitored so they can get treatment quickly if appropriate, the number of infected individuals out in public is minimized, and we have a real handle on the current local state of the pandemic?
I'll take door number 3, thanks. I'll also take my umbrella or rain-coat if heavy rain is forecast for today.
It's about having good information to inform your local and individual decisions.

The U.S. set yet another new one-day record with 81,581 new cases yesterday. Another 1,030 deaths, which is not a record, but sets a troubling base-line (fairly steady since early August) for when the second wave actually starts in the U.S.

COVID-19 News Items

COVID stress syndrome: 5 ways the pandemic is affecting mental health
https://theconversation.com/covid-stress-syndrome-5-ways-the-pandemic-is-affecting-mental-health-147413

Some Covid Survivors Have Antibodies That Attack the Body, not Virus
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/27/health/covid-antibodies-autoimmunity.html

Scientists map structure of potent antibody against coronavirus
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-10-scientists-potent-antibody-coronavirus.html

T-cells of COVID-19 patients can be used to reduce disease risk in immunocompromised people, claims study
https://www.firstpost.com/health/t-cells-of-covid-19-patients-can-be-used-to-reduce-disease-risk-in-immunocompromised-people-claims-study-8956451.html

Reluctance to get tested is an alarming COVID-19 trend in Montreal
https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/some-montrealers-in-need-of-covid-19-testing-are-outsmarting-system

COVID-19 outbreaks at long-term care homes in Renfrew, Pembroke and Arnprior
https://www.renfrewtoday.ca/2020/10/27/covid-19-outbreaks-at-long-term-care-homes-in-renfrew-pembroke-and-arnprior/

'I'm deathly afraid': Long-term care residents fear emotional neglect, understaffing as 2nd wave looms
https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/the-current-for-oct-28-2020-1.5779807/i-m-deathly-afraid-long-term-care-residents-fear-emotional-neglect-understaffing-as-2nd-wave-looms-1.5780003

Why 2 provinces haven't adopted COVID Alert app
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPEghYYcIWM

B.C.’s top doctor says COVID-19 app would ’cause more concern’ if activated in the province
https://globalnews.ca/news/7424544/bc-bonnie-henry-covid-19-app-concern-coronavirus/

COVID Alert: PM says fixes coming to improve app's accuracy
https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/article/covid-alert-pm-says-fixes-coming-to-improve-apps-accuracy/

Mixed messaging - still and again
'This is astounding': Doctor slams Ontario MPP who posed for photo with big group maskless
https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/this-is-astounding-doctor-slams-ontario-mpp-who-posed-for-photo-with-big-group-maskless-1.5162582

Ontario premier claims COVID-19 'curve going down' despite seven-day average creeping up
https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/ontario-premier-claims-covid-19-curve-going-down-despite-seven-day-average-creeping-up-1.5164802

Less mixed messaging - because we know there are still some who don't get it
Feds launch new ad campaign reminding Canadians of COVID-19 basics.
https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/feds-launch-new-ad-campaign-reminding-canadians-of-covid-19-basics-1.5163582

Effective messaging
Why young people tune out government COVID-19 messaging
https://theconversation.com/why-young-people-tune-out-government-covid-19-messaging-147817

Contagion Transmission Model: Estimating Risk of Airborne COVID-19 With Mask Usage, Social Distancing.
https://scitechdaily.com/contagion-transmission-model-estimating-risk-of-airborne-covid-19-with-mask-usage-social-distancing/

COVID-19 'blind spots': The workplace lunchroom found to be source of viral transmission, top doc says.
https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/covid-19-blind-spots-the-workplace-lunchroom-found-to-be-source-of-viral-transmission-top-doc-says-1.5163180

;-) If you want your children to listen,
     try talking softly to someone else.
     ~ Ann Landers

Spread knowledge, not the virus.
Stay well, stay safe, stay sane, stay home if you can.
We're not done yet. Not nearly.
With thanks to those making the effort, every day, for us all.

Warning: these posts are for 'adults'; people with the ability to think for themselves, take responsibility for their actions, and prepared to work for the greater good. If that isn't you, remember to wash your hands and face with soap regularly and don't touch anything. Stay home. The Internet has plenty of content to entertain you.

Canada moved past 10,000 deaths from the COVID-19 pandemic yesterday. 2,674 new cases. At 26,422, the active cases count is rocketing upward towards the levels we saw in the first wave. The difference is that when Canada hit those levels in early May, the trend was starting to flatten. Now, we're just getting started on the second wave.

As for the U.S., here's a dose of reality to counter altered-state disinformation from the White House that the pandemic is over. Wow!
U.S. Reports a Record 500,000-Plus Coronavirus Cases Over the Past Week
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2020/10/27/world/covid-19-coronavirus-updates

The world (under-)reported over 460,000 new cases and over 7,000 deaths yesterday from COVID-19.

Eventually, our decision-makers will take the pandemic seriously (Atlantic Bubble excepted and on the job). But, not yet.

COVID-19 News Items

Thanksgiving, large gatherings to blame for surge in COVID-19 cases in Ontario, officials say
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/large-gathering-covid-spread-1.5777867

Lilly antibody drug fails in a Covid-19 study; others go on
https://www.cnbc.com/2020/10/26/lilly-antibody-drug-fails-in-a-covid-19-study-others-go-on.html

Steroids, inhalers and ventilators: What Quebec doctors are learning about COVID-19.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/quebec-covid-treatments-1.5777352

8 In 10 Hospitalized Covid-19 Coronavirus Patients Were Vitamin D Deficient: New Study
https://www.forbes.com/sites/victoriaforster/2020/10/27/8-in-10-hospitalized-covid-19-coronavirus-patients-were-vitamin-d-deficient-new-study/

By all means, read the paper. For those that see it as TLDR, here are a couple of quotes I think are key.
"Background
"The role of vitamin D status in COVID-19 patients is a matter of debate.", and
"No causal relationship was found between vitamin D deficiency and COVID-19 severity as a combined endpoint or as its separate components."
"We did not find any relationship between vitamin D concentrations or vitamin deficiency and the severity of the disease."

There is also room for discussion as to what constitutes Vitamin D deficiency. If you develop rickets, it's pretty clear you have Vitamin D deficiency. There are a number of other symptoms which may indicate value in taking in more vitamin D, but they can be vague and non-specific, so do your own research. Personally, I take a vitamin D supplement through the winter to deal with a mild case of seasonal affective disorder. I find it helps me, but that doesn't meet any clinical definition of vitamin D deficiency.

The psychology of wearing masks: Why some people are complying and others are not
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/covid-19-mask-compliance-psychology-1.5777729

Proportion of people in England with Covid antibodies has fallen, study says
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/27/proportion-of-people-in-england-with-covid-antibodies-has-fallen-study-says

The Herd Immunity Theory is in Serious Doubt
https://www.thestreet.com/mishtalk/economics/the-herd-immunity-theory-is-in-serious-doubt
Are you ready to consider the consequences of this information? For a start, it means that people who got COVID-19 in the first wave will likely have little or no immunity by the time the second wave shows up in earnest, six to nine months later. It also means that there may not ever be a generally safe and effective vaccine, or my personal guess, it may have to be administered annually like the influenza vaccines (flu shot).

;-) Before you judge a man, walk a mile in his shoes.
     After that, who cares? ... He's a mile away and
     you've got his shoes!
     ~ Billy Connolly

Spread knowledge, not the virus.
Stay well, stay safe, stay sane, stay home if you can.
We're not done yet. Not nearly.
With thanks to those making the effort, every day, for us all.

Warning: these posts are for 'adults'; people with the ability to think for themselves, take responsibility for their actions, and prepared to work for the greater good. If that isn't you, remember to wash your hands and face with soap regularly and don't touch anything. Stay home. The Internet has plenty of content to entertain you.

After the weekend, the new cases reported numbers jumped again as expected: 4,109. Taking Canada to over 220,000 cases. Another 27 deaths, which is the lagging indicator. Active cases: 25,394.

India appears to be flattening the curve. The trend line on new and active cases, and deaths is steadily downward from the mid-September peaks. As other jurisdictions have proven, strict measures to reduce virus spread do work. The trick is not to then throw the doors open again without restriction and start the whole cycle over again.

With a population 2/3's that of Canada, Taiwan is now up to 7 deaths out of 550 reported cases since the pandemic began.
Thailand, with a population double that of Canada has reported 59 deaths from over 3,700 cases.
Vietnam, with over 97 million residents, has reported just 35 deaths from 1,169 cases.
Slovakia, which had managed to keep its case numbers low until late September is now seeing exponential growth in its numbers, including deaths.

Globally, over another 400,000 cases and over 5,000 deaths reported on Monday.

Climate Change

75 ways Trump made America dirtier and the planet warmer
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2020/oct/20/trump-us-dirtier-planet-warmer-75-ways

It's Official: Solar Is the Cheapest Electricity in History
https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a34372005/solar-cheapest-energy-ever/

This Heat Pump Will Help Consumers Save Money And The Environment Too
https://huddle.today/this-heat-pump-will-help-consumers-save-money-and-the-environment-too/

Wiped out cabbage fields in South Korea lead to kimchi disaster

Offshore Wind Energy, Not Nuclear, Is the Future
https://jacobinmag.com/2020/10/offshore-wind-energy-just-transition-nuclear

This white paint could reduce the need for air conditioning by keeping surfaces cooler than surroundings
[dead link: https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2020/Q4/this-white-paint-could-reduce-the-need-for-air-conditioning-by-keeping-surfaces-cooler-than-surroundings.html]

Alarm as Arctic sea ice not yet freezing at latest date on record
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/22/alarm-as-arctic-sea-ice-not-yet-freezing-at-latest-date-on-record

Uh-Oh. Russia's Laptev Sea Should Have Started to Freeze by Now
https://www.wired.com/story/russias-laptev-sea-should-have-started-to-freeze-by-now/

Scientists are using Arctic sea ice to track climate change from centuries ago
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jC9aOmGbhw

India Approves 2.1 Gigawatt Renewable Energy Deal Between Adani Green & Total
https://cleantechnica.com/2020/10/19/india-approves-2-1-gigawatt-renewable-energy-deal-between-adani-green-total/

;-) Are you free tomorrow?
     No, tomorrow I'm still expensive.

Spread knowledge, not the virus.
Stay well, stay safe, stay sane, stay home if you can.
We're not done yet. Not nearly.
With thanks to those making the effort, every day, for us all.

Warning: these posts are for 'adults'; people with the ability to think for themselves, take responsibility for their actions, and prepared to work for the greater good. If that isn't you, remember to wash your hands and face with soap regularly and don't touch anything. Stay home. The Internet has plenty of content to entertain you.

The Thanksgiving surge is still increasing the numbers. On Sunday, 2,145 additional cases despite weekend reporting effect, and 24 additional deaths in Canada related to COVID-19. 24,729 active cases. Ontario set another new one-day record for reported cases at 1,042.

It makes me wonder if Hallowe'en - falling on a Saturday with the time change giving an extra hour to party - will lead to more spreader events. Again, there is mixed messaging from elected officials on whether trick-or-treating should be allowed or not, and this is when treats are being bought and costumes being determined.

Christmas is 8 weeks from this Friday. By then the second wave will actually be under way, and I suspect our elected officials still won't have a handle on the virus spread in the community or the messaging they need to actually be effective. As the Ontario Premier recently complained, he hates having to be the guy delivering the bad news, and we need some adults making decisions now.

COVID-19 News Items

What Fans of ‘Herd Immunity’ Don’t Tell You
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/19/opinion/coronavirus-herd-immunity.html

Dry Air Indoors Will Increase Transmission Of Covid-19 As Winter Approaches
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/19/opinion/coronavirus-herd-immunity.html
The COVID-19 indoor air safety guideline (spreadsheet or app - I have not used either).
http://web.mit.edu/bazant/www/COVID-19/

McMaster research on medieval plagues sheds new light on how COVID-19 spreads
https://globalnews.ca/news/7419544/mcmaster-research-coronavirus-medieval-plague/

Researchers Discover a Second 'Key' That Makes The New Coronavirus So Infectious
https://www.sciencealert.com/a-second-key-used-by-sars-cov-2-to-enter-cells-could-explain-why-it-s-so-infectious

Niagara Public Health reports increase in people with COVID-19 symptoms going out in public
https://www.iheartradio.ca/610cktb/news/niagara-public-health-reports-increase-in-people-with-covid-19-symptoms-going-out-in-public-1.13770191

Evolving science reason for inconsistent messaging on COVID-19: Tam
https://www.castanet.net/news/Canada/314190/Evolving-science-reason-for-inconsistent-messaging-on-COVID-19-Tam

The truth about testing for COVID-19: Advice from a swabber
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/the-truth-about-testing-for-covid-19-advice-from-a-swabber-1.5773212

Costco now selling at-home COVID-19 tests (online)
https://www.ky3.com/2020/10/25/costco-now-selling-at-home-covid-19-tests/
(I have not found a reference that they are available in Canada.)

85% of Ont. nursing homes break the law repeatedly with almost no consequences, data analysis shows
https://www.cbc.ca/news/marketplace/nursing-homes-abuse-ontario-seniors-laws-1.5770889

Why Face Shields And Plexiglass Barriers Don’t Block Coronavirus
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jvchamary/2020/10/23/covid19-coronavirus-aerosols/

163 new cases of COVID-19 in Manitoba, with new records for hospitalizations, positive tests
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/manitoba-covid19-update-1.5774204

Ontario's daily COVID-19 cases top 1,000 for 1st time, day after reaching previous high
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/covid-19-coronavirus-ontario-october-25-numbers-report-1.5776198

Ottawa hospital building temporary unit to reduce overcrowding
https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/ottawa-hospital-building-temporary-unit-to-reduce-overcrowding

;-) I don't mean to brag, but I put together a puzzle in 1 day
     and the box said 2-4 years.

Spread knowledge, not the virus.
Stay well, stay safe, stay sane, stay home if you can.
We're not done yet. Not nearly.
With thanks to those making the effort, every day, for us all.

Warning: these posts are for 'adults'; people with the ability to think for themselves, take responsibility for their actions, and prepared to work for the greater good. If that isn't you, remember to wash your hands and face with soap regularly and don't touch anything. Stay home. The Internet has plenty of content to entertain you.

On Friday, Canada reported 2,584 new COVID-19 cases and 26 deaths.

On Saturday, the numbers were 2,227 and 34 deaths. Note that some Canadian jurisdictions do not provide data on weekends. Ontario set a new record at 978 cases. Active cases in Canada now at 24,401.

Canada will likely reach 215,000 cases and 10,000 deaths this coming week.

The world will likely hit 43 million cases and 1,160,000 deaths on Monday.

On Saturday, the U.S. set a new one-day record for new cases at 81,214.

Fortress Fossil Fuels Highlights/Gaslights

A Horrible Place for an Oil Spill
https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2020/10/danger-arctic-oil-spill/616816/
see also
http://restco.ca/RESTCo%20Press%20Release%20October%202020.pdf
http://restco.ca/Oil_Spill_Response.shtml

We took down Enbridge’s pipeline plan!
https://www.cleanairalliance.org/cel/

The Australian Invasion: Big Coal’s Plans for Alberta
https://thetyee.ca/News/2020/10/09/Australian-Invasion-Big-Coal-Plans-Alberta/

The growing cost to clean up abandoned and orphaned wells
https://theconversation.com/the-growing-cost-to-clean-up-abandoned-and-orphaned-wells-143673

Standing Rock Sioux Tribe receives federal funding to prepare for oil spills
[dead link: https://www.aberdeennews.com/farm_forum/standing-rock-sioux-tribe-receives-federal-funding-to-prepare-for-oil-spills/article_6e1bd0ea-099c-11eb-9217-13409c76bab8.html] https://www.aberdeennews.com/farm_forum/standing-rock-sioux-tribe-receives-federal-funding-to-prepare-for-oil-spills/article_6e1bd0ea-099c-11eb-9217-13409c76bab8.html

Alberta exempts energy companies drilling wells or building pipelines from property taxes for three years
https://edmontonjournal.com/news/politics/alberta-exempts-energy-companies-drilling-wells-or-building-pipelines-from-property-taxes-for-three-years
Is it really a subsidy if the oil and gas industry never intended to pay the taxes in the first place, as is the case for their commitments to clean up oil and gas wells or the bitumen mines and tailing ponds?

Speaking of subsidies ...
Ottawa provides $100M to research ways to cut GHG emissions in oil and gas
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/oil-gas-green-house-gases-federal-funding-1.5772900

EPS selects Goodfuels for marine biofuel bunker trial
[dead site: https://www.greencarcongress.com/2020/10/20201018-eps.html]

Hedge funds dump oil as outlook worsens
https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/oil-and-gas/opinion-hedge-funds-dump-oil-as-outlook-worsens-john-kemp/78107228

New Study Casts Doubt On The Climate Benefits Of Natural Gas Power Plants
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/gas-bridge-fuel_n_5f7f74f0c5b664e5babb0ea8?ncid=NEWSSTAND0001

Libya Reopens Biggest Oil Field, Giving OPEC+ a New Headache
[dead link: https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/libya-gets-ready-pump-more-100126663.html] https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/libya-gets-ready-pump-more-100126663.html

Venezuela, Once an Oil Giant, Reaches the End of an Era
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/07/world/americas/venezuela-oil-economy-maduro.html
Is this a harbinger for the bitumen sands of Alberta? Who will maintain the tailings ponds dikes into perpetuity?

;-) An apple a day keeps anyone away.
     If you throw it hard enough.
     (Does this count as physical distancing in 2020?)

Spread knowledge, not the virus.
Stay well, stay safe, stay sane, stay home if you can.
We're not done yet. Not nearly.
With thanks to those making the effort, every day, for us all.

Warning: these posts are for 'adults'; people with the ability to think for themselves, take responsibility for their actions, and prepared to work for the greater good. If that isn't you, remember to wash your hands and face with soap regularly and don't touch anything. Stay home. The Internet has plenty of content to entertain you.

Now solidly into the incubation and transmitted cases period expected from Thanksgiving get-togethers which crossed household bubbles, the case numbers are rising exponentially. Whatever provincial officials thought as to how they were controlling community spread from BC to QC, it's not working. Still not prepared to take the pandemic seriously.

Canada reported another 3,194 cases - a single day total higher than any day in the first wave. 36 more COVID-19 deaths. Active cases at 23,481. This past week, tests per day nationally have been about 50,000 per day - down considerably from days not that long ago where 150,000 tests were done.

The world blew past 42 million cases, and reported about another 6,500 deaths on October 22nd alone.

To underscore the situation in the U.S. on the day of the final Presidential Debate, 74,301 new cases reported - continuing the upward trend, 973 deaths on the single day, and 2,777,969 active cases - about 0.84% of the entire U.S. population. Consider the impact on your community if 1% of the entire population were active cases of COVID-19.

Fortress Fossil Fuels Highlights/Gaslights

Big Oil drives Trump's pandemic response
https://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/energy-environment/520582-big-oil-drives-trumps-pandemic-response

Oil is crashing, again. And this time it won’t recover. We can’t let the oil lobby bring Canada down with it.
https://ipolitics.ca/2020/10/19/oil-is-crashing-again-and-this-time-it-wont-recover-we-cant-let-the-oil-lobby-bring-canada-down-with-it/

Why is the federal government funding new nuclear power reactors?
https://rabble.ca/blogs/bloggers/views-expressed/2020/10/why-federal-government-funding-new-nuclear-power-reactors
To be clear, nuclear energy will not reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Canada - it will actually increase greenhouse gases compared to using off-the-shelf, less-expensive technologies like wind power, solar photovoltaics, run-of-river and micro-hydro. And nuclear fission produces a LOT of waste heat, which we definitely don't need in a warming world.

Nuclear or renewables? 25-year study shows a clear winner
https://www.theweathernetwork.com/gy/news/article/nuclear-or-renewable-energy-25-year-study-shows-a-clear-winner
Spoiler: “This paper exposes the irrationality of arguing for nuclear investment based on a ‘do everything’ argument. Our findings show not only that nuclear investments around the world tend on balance to be less effective than renewable investments at carbon emissions mitigation, but that tensions between these two strategies can further erode the effectiveness of averting climate disruption,” stated Andy Stirling, Professor of Science and Technology Policy at the University of Sussex Business School, in a press release from the university.

Exxon, Oil Rivals Shield Their Carbon Forecasts From Investors
https://financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/exxon-oil-rivals-shield-their-carbon-forecasts-from-investors

Oil Site Leaked Gases Uncontrollably for Months, Group Says
[dead link: https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/u-oil-well-leaked-gases-155407224.html] https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/u-oil-well-leaked-gases-155407224.html

New report assesses B.C. coast’s oil spill sensitivity, and it’s high
“A little bit of oil in a very sensitive area can have big impact. It’s worth being concerned about.”
https://www.coastmountainnews.com/news/new-report-assesses-b-c-coasts-oil-spill-sensitivity-and-its-high/

BC NDP criticized for continuing fossil fuel subsidies
https://www.citynews1130.com/2020/10/08/bc-ndp-fossil-fuel-subsidies-climate/

Kenney taking Alberta in one direction as the world moves in another
https://ipolitics.ca/2020/10/08/kenney-taking-alberta-in-one-direction-as-the-world-moves-in-another/

For years, oil ensured Canada's healthy trade balance. Now that's changing — with major consequences.
https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/for-years-canadian-oil-kept-the-economy-afloat-now-thats-changing-with-major-consequences
Hmmm, you mean providing infinite support indefinitely for extraction of an increasingly expensive finite resource isn't the best long-term strategic plan?

Covid-19 Is Big Oil’s Asteroid Strike
https://www.bloomberg.com/view/articles/2020-10-11/covid-19-is-big-oil-s-asteroid-strike

LNG in BC Is a 'Losing' Bet, Report Finds
https://thetyee.ca/News/2020/10/22/BC-LNG-Losing-Bet/

;-) When you do squats, are your knees supposed to sound like
     a goat chewing on an aluminum can stuffed with celery?

Spread knowledge, not the virus.
Stay well, stay safe, stay sane, stay home if you can.
We're not done yet. Not nearly.
With thanks to those making the effort, every day, for us all.

Warning: these posts are for 'adults'; people with the ability to think for themselves, take responsibility for their actions, and prepared to work for the greater good. If that isn't you, remember to wash your hands and face with soap regularly and don't touch anything. Stay home. The Internet has plenty of content to entertain you.

2,251 new COVID-19 cases reported in Canada on Tuesday. 16 additional deaths. 22,151 active cases. As testing numbers seem to be falling across the country, the number of new cases may be an under-count.

That was the start for my post for Wednesday, but Rogers once again blew up its Internet connection service, so no actual post yesterday. As one of the big 3 telecommunications providers in Canada, and especially as people are more dependent on the Internet and email for connectivity and current pandemic information, these companies need to take their roles more seriously.

On Wednesday, Canada reported 2, 266 new COVID-19 cases, which I increasingly suspect is under-counting due to reduced testing numbers. There were 32 additional deaths. 22,614 active cases.

To resurrect a phrase from an old TV series, 'be careful out there'. Who remembers the series?

COVID-19 News Items

‘Immediately stop using’: Numerous well-known wipes products sold in Canada recalled due to infection fears
https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2020/10/21/immediately-stop-using-numerous-well-known-wipes-products-sold-in-canada-recalled-due-to-infection-fears.html

Combating the COVID-19 Pandemic: In-Silico Molecular Docking Study of Spike Protein of SARS-CoV-2 virus to develop Novel Antiviral drug
https://youngscientistlab.com/index.php/entry/2397
But, it gets better!
This 14-year-old girl won a $25K prize for a discovery that could lead to a cure for Covid-19 "https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/18/us/anika-chebrolu-covid-treatment-award-scn-trnd/index.html

The US is betting on 3 types of coronavirus vaccines, one of which is totally unproven. A diagram shows how they differ.
https://www.businessinsider.com/leading-us-coronavirus-vaccines-how-they-work-compare-2020-10

'It hurts to be alive': Stories from COVID-19 long-haulers.
https://ottawacitizen.com/diseases-and-conditions/coronavirus/covid-19-long-haulers/wcm/178527b2-d59d-4003-877b-b40dcea2b849

Some Canadians never received 'one-time key' for COVID Alert app after positive coronavirus test
https://www.ctvnews.ca/lifestyle/article/some-canadians-never-received-one-time-key-for-covid-alert-app-after-positive-coronavirus-test/

Just 5% of Ontario coronavirus cases used COVID Alert app to report infection
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/covid-19-ontario-cases-covid-alert-app-1.5768033

Advocates push to expand whistleblower protection for personal support workers in long-term care homes
https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/advocates-push-to-expand-whistleblower-protection-for-personal-support-workers-in-long-term-care-homes

Some long-term care homes can't get insurance, could be force to close: association.
https://www.cp24.com/news/some-long-term-care-homes-can-t-get-insurance-could-be-force-to-close-association-1.5153060
The fundamental question is, which LTCHs cannot get infectious disease insurance coverage, and why? If the insurance industry suspects negligence or professional misconduct, their stance may be entirely appropriate.

Alberta breaks single-day COVID-19 records, minister tests positive and premier self-isolates
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/alberta-covid-19-coronavirus-1.5771863
Cabinet minister tests positive for COVID-19, Premier in self-isolation

Critical staff shortages worsen as Ontario enters second wave, commission told
https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/critical-staff-shortages-worsen-as-ontario-enters-second-wave-commission-told

4 nurses resigned from understaffed Whitehorse hospital last week, says Yukon union
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/yukon-hospital-staffing-critical-1.5768560

Coronavirus: Inside the supply chain crisis slowing Canadian labs
https://globalnews.ca/news/7406308/coronavirus-inside-supply-chain-crisis/

Ottawa's COVID-19 testing task force investigating low turnout
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/covid-19-task-force-investigating-drop-number-tests-1.5768377

Ontario's testing rate crumbles as province reports 821 new COVID-19 cases
https://www.cp24.com/news/we-can-t-force-people-to-come-in-for-a-test-ford-says-after-ontario-reports-more-than-800-new-cases-despite-drop-in-testing-1.5152461
This likely means Ontario is under-counting the actual number of cases, as does the Premier's plea for more people to go for testing, a complete reversal from a week ago.

Another testing method indicates that COVID-19 infection rates are higher than swab testing at clinics.
'We're strapped to a rocket right now:' Alarm at sky-high COVID-19 levels in Ottawa's sewage
https://www.ctvnews.ca/ottawa/article/covid-19-sewage-warning-and-a-surprise-tip-for-an-ottawa-restaurant-the-top-five-stories-in-ottawa-this-week/

Active COVID-19 cases at an all-time high in Ontario and Alberta
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/world-canada-covid-19-oct-20-1.5768967

EU removes Canadians from list of approved travellers because of COVID-19
https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/eu-travel-canada-1.5770782
When the continent which includes Spain, Italy and Belgium calls you out as an unacceptable risk for COVID-19 transmission, it's time to have a hard look in the mirror.

Why you can't escape the flu and COVID-19 just by 'boosting' your immunity
https://nationalpost.com/health/why-you-cant-escape-the-flu-and-covid-19-just-by-boosting-your-immunity

Does Vitamin D Ward Off Coronavirus?
https://www.snopes.com/news/2020/06/25/does-vitamin-d-ward-off-coronavirus/
Correlation does not imply causation.

;-) It's the start of a brand new day,
     and I'm off like a herd of turtles.

Spread knowledge, not the virus.
Stay well, stay safe, stay sane, stay home if you can.
We're not done yet. Not nearly.
With thanks to those making the effort, every day, for us all.

Warning: these posts are for 'adults'; people with the ability to think for themselves, take responsibility for their actions, and prepared to work for the greater good. If that isn't you, remember to wash your hands and face with soap regularly and don't touch anything. Stay home. The Internet has plenty of content to entertain you.

3,289 new COVID-19 cases reported in Canada on Monday, taking us past 200,000. 18 additional deaths, pushing us towards 9,800. Active case count at 21,998.

The U.S. official COVID-19 death count pushed past 220,000 deaths, while better data puts the number above 225,000. Expect the confirmed cases count to pass 8.5 million today.

Russia acknowledged roughly 16,000 new cases on Monday, setting a new one-day record and continuing a steep rising trend line.

Globally, we pushed past 40 million cases (official counts, almost certainly under-counting), and we will almost certainly pass 1.125 million deaths today. If a visual representation works for you, see below.

That's daily counts, not cumulative, as of October 19, 2020.

COVID-19 News Items

Infectious Disease Expert: The 'Darkest Of The Entire Pandemic' Has Yet To Come
https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/osterholm-pandemic-forecast_n_5f8c6e02c5b67da85d1f2d67

B.C. announces 2nd wave of COVID-19, as it confirms 499 new cases and 2 more deaths over the weekend
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/covid-19-update-bc-oct-19-1.5768415

Alberta hits new pandemic peak for active COVID-19 cases
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/alberta-covid-19-coronavirus-active-cases-pandemic-1.5768458

Sask. COVID-19 active cases climb to record high for second day
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/covid-19-update-oct18-2020-1.5767318

Manitoba battles the worst surge of cases it has seen since the pandemic began
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/manitoba-covid-19-update-winnipeg-restrictions-1.5764973

Ontario reports 658 new cases of COVID-19, three Toronto hospitals declare outbreaks
https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/2020/10/18/ontario-reports-658-new-cases-of-covid-19.html

Ontario Minister Flip-Flops In Under An Hour On Long-Term Care Staffing
https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/ontario-long-term-care-covid-second-wave_ca_5f8dcda1c5b66ee9a5f272c4

Staffing in Waterloo region's long-term care homes 'precarious': Dr. Wang
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/wang-long-term-care-outbreak-1.5767232

Quebec reports 1,038 new cases of COVID-19, six more deaths
[dead link: https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/quebec-reports-1-038-new-cases-of-covid-19-six-more-deaths-1.5150933]

As COVID-19 cases mount in Quebec's regions, some hospitals may be nearing a tipping point
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/covid-19-hospitalizations-regions-1.5762757

On Monday, CTV National News reported that over 380 long-term care facilities in Canada curently have reported COVID-19 outbreaks.

COVID testing vacancies: Dozens of COVID-19 testing slots remain empty at Ottawa assessment centres
https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/covid-testing-vacancies-dozens-of-covid-19-testing-slots-remain-empty-at-ottawa-assessment-centres-1.5150238
I suspect many in Ontario now wonder what the point is for even getting tested. Tests have high rates of false results; the results are not timely; decisions don't seem to be based on data in hand; and mixed messaging seems to be the norm.

Eventually, elected officials from Quebec west will take COVID-19 seriously. Not yet, clearly, but eventually. Then, when the mixed messaging from provincial, and in some cases municipal, leadership comes to an end, the population may also start to take the pandemic seriously, spending more time on suppressing transmission and less on looking for loopholes. Until then, we're stuck with the all-pain-no-gain model (Atlantic bubble and northern territories excepted).

How the second COVID-19 wave could derail Canada's economic and job recovery
https://financialpost.com/executive/posthaste-how-the-second-covid-19-wave-could-derail-canadas-economic-and-job-recovery
Sigh. The national drum-beat for re-opening everything is NOW figuring out that a second wave of COVID-19 could be bad for the economy?!

Countries zero in on coronavirus hot spots as cases rise again globally
https://globalnews.ca/news/7405065/coronavirus-world-new-restrictions-lockdowns/

;-) I'd do anything for a perfect beach body,
     except work out and eat less.
     ~ unknown

Spread knowledge, not the virus.
Stay well, stay safe, stay sane, stay home if you can.
We're not done yet. Not nearly.
With thanks to those making the effort, every day, for us all.

Warning: these posts are for 'adults'; people with the ability to think for themselves, take responsibility for their actions, and prepared to work for the greater good. If that isn't you, remember to wash your hands and face with soap regularly and don't touch anything. Stay home. The Internet has plenty of content to entertain you.

I was 'off-the-air' for a bit. It was a combination of being dispirited by the statistical trend lines for Canada's struggle with COVID-19 and being busy with other things. So what was causing my angst? Here are the new COVID-19 cases numbers reported in Canada since last Tuesday - quite a contrast to those days in June when 200-300 new cases per day were typical.

Date             Number of cases
2020.10.13  4,032 (you read that right)
2020.10.14  2,506
2020.10.15  2,345
2020.10.16  2,374
2020.10.17  2,215
2020.10.18  1,827
for a total of 15,299 in just six days.

Over that period, 133 additional deaths. Over the summer, reduced numbers of cases allowing more care for those gravely ill, and keeping the virus out of institutional care settings let our death rate from confirmed cases drop from 6% to 5%. However, as we see long-term care homes reporting new outbreaks and hospitalizations increase to capacity in some areas already, that death rate figure could rise again. Testing accuracy, availability and timeliness remain problematic. It's as if we learned nothing from our first serious brush with the virus.
Or previous viruses.
The key lesson from SARS that Canada failed to heed when COVID-19 hit
https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/coronavirus-canada-sars-1.5766021
Note the term 'precautionary principle'; you'll be hearing it again.

Well, perhaps some health organizations have learned one thing (with thanks to Tyler Shandro).
Looking for a few good nurses. Also PSWs, sonographers, respiratory therapists ....
https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/looking-for-a-few-good-nurses-also-psws-sonographers-respiratory-therapists

This week we'll start learning how we did following health officials' guidance over the Thanksgiving weekend. Well, to the extent that bungled testing continues to under-weight the actual case numbers and obscure the real data.

COVID-19 News Items

'There's no point,' frustrated moms complain after waiting 2 weeks for COVID-19 test results
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/families-wait-2-weeks-covid-test-1.5765863

'We're not being listened to': COVID-19 long-haulers describe fighting for medical care
https://www.ctvnews.ca/lifestyle/article/were-not-being-listened-to-covid-19-long-haulers-describe-fighting-for-medical-care/

Sweden is moving away from its no-lockdown strategy and preparing strict new rules amid rising coronavirus cases
https://www.businessinsider.com/sweden-shifts-away-no-lockdown-strategy-amid-growing-case-numbers-2020-10

Third vaccine trial paused because of safety concerns
[dead link: https://cyprus-mail.com/2020/10/14/third-vaccine-trial-paused-because-of-safety-concerns/] https://cyprus-mail.com/2020/10/14/third-vaccine-trial-paused-because-of-safety-concerns/

The pursuit of herd immunity is a folly – so who's funding this bad science?
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/18/covid-herd-immunity-funding-bad-science-anti-lockdown

Herd immunity as coronavirus solution ‘simply unethical’: WHO
https://globalnews.ca/news/7392956/coronavirus-herd-immunity-unethical-who/

Red Cross called in to assist seven Ottawa-area long-term care homes
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/red-cross-workers-being-dispatched-to-ottawa-area-long-term-care-homes-1.5759137

Did you ever wonder if Canadian jurisdictions were serious about testing for COVID-19 and contact tracing? The Chinese city of Qingdao might be considered to be serious about the novel coronavirus.
China is testing an entire city of 9 million for COVID-19 after it found 12 cases connected to a hospital there https://www.businessinsider.com/china-testing-qingdao-city-9-million-after-12-cases-hospital-2020-10
That's about 1/4 the population of all of Canada.

Alberta's contact tracing raises red flags as 43% of new cases have no known source
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/alberta-contact-tracing-concerns-1.5766825

Inside the Fall of the CDC
https://www.propublica.org/article/inside-the-fall-of-the-cdc

;-) What's harder than a diamond?
     Some days, getting out of bed to face the day.

Spread knowledge, not the virus.
Stay well, stay safe, stay sane, stay home if you can.
We're not done yet. Not nearly.
With thanks to those making the effort, every day, for us all.

Warning: these posts are for 'adults'; people with the ability to think for themselves, take responsibility for their actions, and prepared to work for the greater good. If that isn't you, remember to wash your hands and face with soap regularly and don't touch anything. Stay home. The Internet has plenty of content to entertain you.

On holiday Monday, Canada reported 925 new cases and 14 deaths related to COVID-19. Note some provinces did not report. Tomorrow's numbers may catch us up.

It's been a while since I checked in on New Zealand. They have not eradicated COVID-19, but they're still doing pretty well. Their worst day since the end of April was 14 new cases on Sept. 1. 4 (four) deaths total since May 25 for the entire pandemic. That's about 5 deaths per million.

Climate Change

Today, if you read nothing else about climate change, read this article.
‘60 Minutes,’ ‘The Guardian,’ and Game-Changing New Climate Science
https://www.thenation.com/article/environment/60-minutes-climate-michael-mann/

The great thaw: global heating upends life on Arctic permafrost – photo essay
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/gallery/2020/oct/13/the-great-thaw-global-heating-upends-life-on-arctic-permafrost-photo-essay

We're in a climate emergency: It's time for our leaders to start acting like it
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/opinion-oates-climate-emergency-1.5753883

Differences in carbon emissions reduction between countries pursuing renewable electricity versus nuclear power
[dead link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41560-020-00696-3] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41560-020-00696-3
From the paper's abstract:
"Here, we use multiple regression analyses on global datasets of national carbon emissions and renewable and nuclear electricity production across 123 countries over 25 years to examine systematically patterns in how countries variously using nuclear power and renewables contrastingly show higher or lower carbon emissions. We find that larger-scale national nuclear attachments do not tend to associate with significantly lower carbon emissions while renewables do. We also find a negative association between the scales of national nuclear and renewables attachments. This suggests nuclear and renewables attachments tend to crowd each other out."

I won't belabour any of the other isues where nuclear fission energy contributes to planetary warming in the course of construction, fuel production, operation, decommissioning and spent fuel disposal (not that the last is actually real to date).

I will note that Canada has already voted in favour of nuclear over renewables, both federally and in a substantial number of provinces. Most notably in recent news in their support for "small modular reactors".
[dead site:https://www.nextbigfuture.com/2020/08/provinces-with-75-of-canadas-population-working-on-gen-4-small-modular-nuclear-reactors.html]

"Small" is an interesting adjective for a potential technology which includes a single unit rated at 160 MWe. That's about a third of a Pickering reactor.

Offshore Wind Energy, Not Nuclear, Is the Future
https://jacobinmag.com/2020/10/offshore-wind-energy-just-transition-nuclear

Greenland's ice melting faster than at any time in past 12,000 years
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/30/greenlands-ice-melting-faster-sea-level-rise

How fertilizer in farming is pushing climate change past ‘worst-case scenarios’
https://globalnews.ca/news/7378381/nitrous-oxide-climate-change-fertilizer/

A tiny pest helped stoke this year’s devastating wildfires
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/2020/10/bark-beetles-helped-stoke-2020-devastating-wildfires/

Last month was the hottest September ever recorded
https://www.zmescience.com/science/hottest-september-ever-recorded-22265383/

The Arctic hasn't been this warm for 3 million years, and that can change the planet
https://globalnews.ca/news/7374953/climate-change-arctic-ice-melt/

Carbon Tax Must Go Up To Meet Paris Targets Unless Policy Changes: PBO
[dead link: https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/carbon-tax-must-go-up-paris-targets_ca_5f7fb119c5b6da9ba1eeb44b] https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/carbon-tax-must-go-up-paris-targets_ca_5f7fb119c5b6da9ba1eeb44b
So, first, it's not a tax. It's more like a pension plan, with annual payouts. It isn't just semantics; the word 'tax' colours the message from the outset of the story. It's a feebate system. The return of money to consumers to spend as they see fit is at least as important as increasing the price on products with high GHG emissions impacts. Second, carbon is not a greenhouse gas; carbon dioxide is. So is methane, and there are a host of others.
“The beginning of wisdom is to call things by their proper name.” ~ Confucius

;-) I remember being able to get up without making sound effects.

Spread knowledge, not the virus.
Stay well, stay safe, stay sane, stay home if you can.
We're not done yet. Not nearly.
With thanks to those making the effort, every day, for us all.

Warning: these posts are for 'adults'; people with the ability to think for themselves, take responsibility for their actions, and prepared to work for the greater good. If that isn't you, remember to wash your hands and face with soap regularly and don't touch anything. Stay home. The Internet has plenty of content to entertain you.

On Sunday (note weekend reporting effect), Canada had 1,685 additional COVID-19 cases and 5 deaths. Let's see what the numbers look like on Tuesday and Wednesday before breathing a sigh of relief (with your mask on).

The U.S. will likely reach 8 million COVID-19 cases and 220,000 deaths today.

COVID-19 News Items

Coronavirus can survive up to 28 days on some surfaces — but heat makes a difference: study
https://globalnews.ca/news/7391898/coronavirus-surfaces-heat-study/
Time to break out the disinfectant sheets and sprays again.

Red Cross workers being sent into Ottawa-area long-term care homes
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/red-cross-workers-being-sent-into-ottawa-area-long-term-care-homes-1.5759137

Canada’s chief science advisor warns coronavirus could still overwhelm health-care system
https://globalnews.ca/news/7386942/canada-chief-science-advisor-coronavirus-covid-1-overwhelm-health-care-system/

Imagine if we could tell which businesses, or class of businesses, are the highest risk for creating additional infections. Would that allow us to better contain the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus?
Public health won't tell us which employers have COVID-19 outbreaks. But we obtained WSIB data to help paint a picture.
https://www.niagarathisweek.com/news-story/10221143-public-health-won-t-tell-us-which-employers-have-covid-19-outbreaks-but-we-obtained-wsib-data-to-help-paint-a-picture/
Better data allows for better decisions.

Majority of Canadians support closing non-essential businesses during second wave: Nanos
https://www.ctvnews.ca/lifestyle/article/majority-of-canadians-support-closing-non-essential-businesses-during-second-wave-nanos-survey/

Ontario waited weeks to trigger restrictions while COVID-19 spread. Did changes come too late?
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-covid-19-restrictions-1.5758025

Ottawa fails to use 50000 volunteer contact tracers
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/1804192835784

So the plan was, save the economy by re-opening the schools and higher risk infection businesses blithely referred to as taking 'modest' risks with the health of the population.
So, over the summer, in the lag period after limited lifting of restrictions, the economy seemed to be picking up, and jobs were being re-created. In September we really opened the gates on lifting restrictions and exploding the summer's social bubbles.
Seems like the economy and job creation were doing pretty well as we adjusted to the medium level of restrictions through July and August, and into the start of September. Then we re-opened the schools in areas where community spread was not controlled, and 3 weeks later we can see the results.
Canada's September job gains top estimates, jobless rate falls
[dead link: https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/canada-adds-378200-jobs-in-september-jobless-rate-dips-to-90/ar-BB19Rz3M] https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/canada-adds-378200-jobs-in-september-jobless-rate-dips-to-90/ar-BB19Rz3M

But, the 're-open everything now' siren calls could not be resisted, and now we're going back into 28 day lockdowns in Quebec and Ontario again, as the rise in new case counts daily has been described as a 'runaway train'. Should be great for the economy. Not.

Premier Doug Ford and his medical officer of health were shocked by rising COVID numbers. Let that sink in.
https://www.insidehalton.com/news-story/10220726-bruce-arthur-premier-doug-ford-and-his-medical-officer-of-health-were-shocked-by-rising-covid-numbers-let-that-sink-in/

Schools Re-opening

Current school cohorting practices are ineffective and leave itinerant teachers at increased risk, say experts
https://rabble.ca/news/2020/10/current-school-cohorting-practices-are-ineffective-and-leave-itinerant-teachers

Cancellations continue on Ottawa school buses as parents urged to give up unused seats
https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/cancellations-continue-on-ottawa-school-buses-as-parents-urged-to-give-up-unused-seats

Boston delays school reopening plan after virus cases surge
[dead link: https://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/boston-delays-school-reopening-plan-virus-cases-surge-73474776] https://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/boston-delays-school-reopening-plan-virus-cases-surge-73474776

;-) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAjf0Rmub_4
     On this day, in this strange pandemic time,
     may you truly know what is important.

Spread knowledge, not the virus.
Stay well, stay safe, stay sane, stay home if you can.
We're not done yet. Not nearly.
With thanks to those making the effort, every day, for us all.

Warning: these posts are for 'adults'; people with the ability to think for themselves, take responsibility for their actions, and prepared to work for the greater good. If that isn't you, remember to wash your hands and face with soap regularly and don't touch anything. Stay home. The Internet has plenty of content to entertain you.

With 2,062 cases reported (likely low due to weekend reporting effect), Canada surpassed the 180,000 mark for confirmed COVID-19 infections. 23 additional deaths pushed us past 9,600 deaths. Active cases now up again to 19,214. Hospitals in high-incidence regions are calling out issues on capacity, both physical and available staff.

U.S. COVID-19 cases hit two-month high, 10 states report record increases
https://ca.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-usa/u-s-covid-19-cases-hit-two-month-high-10-states-report-record-increases-idUSKBN26V0GA
Over 50,000 new cases reported yesterday, with 635 deaths. The total deaths could reach 220,000 today.

India had almost 75,000 new cases yesterday. However, given their population, this counts as progress as their daily counts are dropping steadily from a peak of 97,859 three weeks ago, and their active cases count is also coming down.

PPE

As the second wave may be underway, but more likely yet to come on the tail of the resurgence event happening now, we are still in a position where we need to on-shore more PPE production capacity for Canadian needs, and be fairly certain there will be export markets for another 1-2 years before there is any credible expectation of wide-spread distribution of a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine (assuming there is one at all). As some health experts are indicating that additional such novel viruses are likely in years to come (COVID-19 was predeeded by SARS and MERS), that will drive additional future demand for PPE in hospitals, lomg-term care and in home and community-based care. Likely also for regular workers and private citizens, if available and affordable.

Heath-care workers lacking PPE suffer from more anxiety and depression
https://theconversation.com/heath-care-workers-lacking-ppe-suffer-from-more-anxiety-and-depression-145612

Doctors worry supplies of flu vaccine, PPE won't meet demand, survey suggests
https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/cma-ppe-flu-survey-1.5743488

New export opportunities arise amid global need for PPE, cleansers
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/featured-reports/article-new-export-opportunities-arise-amid-global-need-for-ppe-cleansers/

Company ordered to stop selling marked-up PPE during pandemic fined $1,500
https://calgaryherald.com/news/crime/company-ordered-to-stop-selling-marked-up-ppe-during-pandemic-fined-1500

Cleaning volunteers asked to record plastic PPE found on UK beaches
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/18/cleaning-volunteers-asked-to-record-plastic-ppe-found-on-uk-beaches

Burnaby N95 mask maker the first for Health Canada authorization
https://www.burnabynow.com/news/burnaby-n95-mask-maker-the-first-for-health-canada-authorization-1.24213970

Quebec company gets approval for re-usable, recyclable masks5
https://www.thebeat925.ca/news/338104/quebec-company-gets-approval-to-make-re-usable-recyclable-masks

New UBC documentary takes us into the heart of the PPE crisis in the U.S.
https://globalnews.ca/news/7384177/ubc-documentary-us-ppe/

An Ontario company is producing face masks just for guys with beards
https://www.blogto.com/fashion_style/2020/10/face-mask-beards-ontario-company/

From pay gap to ill-fitting PPE, female workers highlight challenges in U.K. health care
https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/uk-health-care-gender-bias-1.5741670

Ontario changes directive regarding PPE for long-term care homes, hospitals https://globalnews.ca/news/7389092/directive-5-ppe-long-term-care-hospitals-ontario/

;-) 2020 has been such a clucking mess that even birds are setting each
     other off and resorting to foul fowl language.
     Swearing parrots separated after telling folk where to go
          https://www.theguardian.com/global/2020/sep/29/fowl-epithets-swearing-parrots-separated-after-telling-folk-where-to-go

Spread knowledge, not the virus.
Stay well, stay safe, stay sane, stay home if you can.
We're not done yet. Not nearly.
With thanks to those making the effort, every day, for us all.

Warning: these posts are for 'adults'; people with the ability to think for themselves, take responsibility for their actions, and prepared to work for the greater good. If that isn't you, remember to wash your hands and face with soap regularly and don't touch anything. Stay home. The Internet has plenty of content to entertain you.

2,558 new COVID-19 cases in Canada yesterday (Friday).

That doesn't look like flattening the curve to me.
28 additional deaths.

It's a global pandemic. The world set another record for new cases yesterday: 358,354.
Over 5,800 additional deaths. Let's put the THINK in Thinksgiving.

COVID-19 News Items

New declaration calls for 'focused protection' to achieve COVID-19 herd immunity Critics say it would be deadly.
https://nationalpost.com/health/new-declaration-calls-for-forced-protection-to-achieve-covid-19-herd-immunity-critics-say-it-would-be-deadly
To recap, 'focused protection' is EXACTLY what provincial governments in Canada professed to do in the first wave to protect residents of long-term care homes. At best, it led to isolation for these people. More typically, it failed with catastrophic results - 80% of the COVID-19 deaths in the first few months of the pandemic in Canada were associated with long-term care residences. We are supposed to have learned this lesson. Our elected officials said we did. But profits over people means the 're-open now' drum beat won't be stopped.

Outbreaks hit Ottawa's long-term care homes, despite 1st wave lessons
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/covid19-outbreaks-long-term-care-ottawa-despite-lessons-of-first-wave-1.5752719

Dozens died in long-term care as they waited for Ontario's COVID-19 action plan, inquiry told
https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/2020/10/06/dozens-died-in-long-term-care-as-they-waited-for-ontarios-covid-19-action-plan-inquiry-told.html

21,000 health-care workers infected with COVID-19
[dead link: https://rabble.ca/podcasts/shows/radiolabour/2020/10/21000-health-care-workers-infected-covid-19] https://rabble.ca/podcasts/shows/radiolabour/2020/10/21000-health-care-workers-infected-covid-19 (15-minute podcast)

Advocates have been calling for pay equity in long-term-care homes for over a decade. They want Ontario to end the fight as appeal hearing gets underway
https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/2020/10/06/hearings-begin-in-ontarios-appeal-of-pay-equity-ruling-for-provinces-long-term-care-workers.html

This data shows we're shopping and travelling like it's practically 2019
https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2020/10/08/is-anyone-taking-the-second-wave-of-covid-19-seriously-this-data-shows-were-shopping-and-travelling-like-its-practically-2019.html (subscriber only content)

Toronto doctor using TikTok to deliver public health messaging to young people
https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/toronto-doctor-using-tiktok-to-deliver-public-health-messaging-to-young-people-1.5135444

F.B.I. Says Michigan Anti-Government Group Plotted to Kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/08/us/gretchen-whitmer-michigan-militia.html
The nominal justification: anger over coronavirus control measures, in a state where COVID-19 has killed more than 7,000 people and has roughly 40,000 active cases.

Ontario faces 'runaway train' of COVID-19 cases if families don't scrap Thanksgiving gatherings, doctor warns
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-thanksgiving-covid-1.5754555

Economic Miscalculation and the Covid-19 Pandemic
https://blog.independent.org/2020/10/01/economic-miscalculation-and-the-covid-19-pandemic/

From Microeconomics to Hummingbird Economics During COVID-19
https://intheknow.insead.edu/blog/microeconomics-hummingbird-economics-during-covid-19

COVID Alert reaches 3.3 million downloads since launch
https://mobilesyrup.com/2020/10/06/covid-alert-reaches-3-3-million-downloads-since-launch/

Doubts persist about security of federal COVID-19 notification app
https://montrealgazette.com/news/quebec/doubts-persist-about-security-of-federal-covid-19-notification-app

The rush to reopen inside seating in bars and restaurants was a mistake — and now we're paying for it https://www.insidehalton.com/news-story/10215682-the-rush-to-reopen-inside-seating-in-bars-and-restaurants-was-a-mistake-and-now-we-re-paying-for-it/

Woman with skull defect leaks cerebrospinal fluid from her nose after a nasal swab COVID-19 test
https://www.ctvnews.ca/lifestyle/article/woman-with-skull-defect-leaks-cerebrospinal-fluid-from-her-nose-after-a-nasal-swab-covid-19-test/

;-) Don't bother walking a mile in my shoes. That would be boring.
     Spend 30 seconds in my head. That'll freak you right out.

Spread knowledge, not the virus.
Stay well, stay safe, stay sane, stay home if you can.
We're not done yet. Not nearly.
With thanks to those making the effort, every day, for us all.

Warning: these posts are for 'adults'; people with the ability to think for themselves, take responsibility for their actions, and prepared to work for the greater good. If that isn't you, remember to wash your hands and face with soap regularly and don't touch anything. Stay home. The Internet has plenty of content to entertain you.

2,346 new COVID-19 cases in Canada on Thursday. 16 additional deaths. 18,494 active cases. All trending up.

Monday is Thinksgiving. This is likely to be a major spread event weekend in Canada, as people were making plans over the past couple of weeks to meet with family this weekend, and the Ontario government only got it's messaging straight yesterday.

Next up for Ontario, 3 weeks of conflicting messaging about Hallowe'en.

In the rest of the world, yesterday was a record-breaking date for new cases reported (349,338). The lagging indicator - deaths - was 6,430.

COVID Collateral Effects

COVID-19 health measures exacerbated opioid crisis: Canada's top doctor
https://www.nationalobserver.com/2020/09/01/news/covid-19-health-measures-exacerbated-opioid-crisis-canadas-top-doctor

Advocates Blast BC’s Overdose Crisis Response and Quit Consultations
https://thetyee.ca/News/2020/08/19/Advocates-Blast-Overdose-Crisis-Response/

Discussion on decriminalizing drugs should be considered in wake of opioid deaths: Tam
https://globalnews.ca/news/7292817/opioid-crisis-decriminalization-tam/

Surgical backlog in Ottawa region hits 14,000 cases
https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/surgical-backlog-in-region-hits-14000-cases

Plastic bans lose support as Canadians put COVID-19 concerns first
https://nationalpost.com/life/food/plastic-waste-is-piling-up-during-covid-19-as-support-for-single-use-bans-falters-study-shows

Canadian hospitals saw a sudden drop in premature births during the pandemic. Now researchers are trying to find out why
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alberta/article-canadian-hospitals-saw-a-sudden-drop-in-premature-births-during-the/

Skills lost due to COVID-19 school closures will hit economic output for generations: OECD
https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/school-closures-to-hit-economic-output-for-generations-1.5715492

Office work could be changed forever by COVID-19. Here's why that matters
https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/office-workers-home-covid-19-1.5711334

The costs of the cashless economy
https://www.thestar.com/podcasts/thismatters/2020/09/09/the-costs-of-the-cashless-economy.html

Mason jars in short supply after pandemic summer
https://www.nationalobserver.com/2020/10/07/news/mason-jars-short-supply-after-pandemic-summer
This one I experienced personally. I'm not doing any canning this year, but in-laws are, and have taken my horde of empty jars from past years of making salsa and pickles.

;-) It used to be that cleared desks at the end of the work day
     meant that the employer had a serious security policy.
          Now, it just means that everyone is working from home.

Spread knowledge, not the virus.
Stay well, stay safe, stay sane, stay home if you can.
We're not done yet. Not nearly.
With thanks to those making the effort, every day, for us all.

Warning: these posts are for 'adults'; people with the ability to think for themselves, take responsibility for their actions, and prepared to work for the greater good. If that isn't you, remember to wash your hands and face with soap regularly and don't touch anything. Stay home. The Internet has plenty of content to entertain you.

1,800 new COVID-19 cases in Canada on Wednesday, 11 additional deaths, 17,916 active cases. It's a drop from the day before, but one day does not make a trend.

Just for comparison, India is making headlines for its rising number of cases (6,835,655 as of yesterday), catching up to the U.S. (7,781,705) (data from worldometers.info). However, that's not the key story. India's population is four times that of the U.S., with dense population centres that make NYC look like the suburbs. Here are some numbers to compare.

Eventually, even Ontario and Quebec will understand the pandemic is a serious HEALTH issue, and not a communications problem (though they are certainly contributing to the latter).

Fortress Fossil Fuels Highlights/Gaslights

A lot of Jason Kenney's claims about the oil and gas industry are cherry-picked, misleading or wrong
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/alberta-premier-oil-and-gas-claims-fact-check-1.5737762

Exxon’s Plan for Surging Carbon Emissions Revealed in Leaked Documents
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-10-05/exxon-carbon-emissions-and-climate-leaked-plans-reveal-rising-co2-output

Canada Pension Plan fuels the climate crisis with our own retirement savings
https://www.nationalobserver.com/2020/10/05/news/canada-pension-plan-fuels-climate-crisis-our-own-retirement-savings

North Atlantic oil refinery in Come By Chance to close permanently
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/refinery-closing-irving-1.5751203

More Mysterious Dark Substances Seen In Ocean Around Mauritius After Oil Spill
https://www.forbes.com/sites/nishandegnarain/2020/09/24/more-mysterious-dark-substances-seen-in-ocean-around-mauritius-after-oil-spill/#764f7d065844

Alberta unveiling plans to use hydrogen to cut emissions - and produce more oil
https://calgaryherald.com/business/energy/alberta-unveiling-plans-to-use-hydrogen-to-cut-emissions-and-produce-more-oil
Ah, now we're getting somewhere on why the recent rise in hydrogen hype. Given the oil industry is the biggest producer and user of industrial hydrogen today (used for hydrocarbons upgrading), and they make it from steam reforming (cracking) natural gas, allowing CO2 into the atmosphere, it's unlikely there will be any real reduction in overall GHG emissions. But there is potential for bilking taxpayers to fund their costs by greenwashing their plan to use more natural gas.

Hydrogen for transportation fuel remains an oil industry PR mirage to slow the shift to real electric drive uptake. If the oil industry really believed in hydrogen as a transportation fuel, they would be installing hydrogen filling stations (like they do gas stations), and not leaving it up to taxpayers to foot that bill.

Cleanup underway after 126-barrel oil spill in southern Alberta
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/alberta-oil-spill-enbridge-1.5749760

Here we go - it's an oil industry playbook classic. Start with the low estimate for the early media headlines, and keep revising the spilled amount upward as actual data emerges, but as the story fades. 20,000? 150,000? Who knows? Wait for the next update. They have no idea. In the first report (above), some crude did go beyond company property, and now somehow in the second report it hasn't. Magic.
Alberta Energy Regulator confirms 150,000 litres of crude oil leaked from pipeline near Hardisty https://globalnews.ca/news/7375691/alberta-energy-regulator-alpha-bow-pipeline-leak-oil/

Nuclear power is failing. So why does news coverage suggest the opposite?
https://beyondnuclearinternational.org/2020/10/05/promises-promises/

Big Oil Still Isn't On Course To Hit Global Climate Goals
https://oilprice.com/Latest-Energy-News/World-News/Big-Oil-Still-Isnt-On-Course-To-Hit-Global-Climate-Goals.html

Problems Are Piling Up For Oil Majors
https://oilprice.com/Energy/Oil-Prices/Problems-Are-Piling-Up-For-Oil-Majors.html

;-) Remember, if you lose a sock in the dryer, it comes back as a
     Tupperware lid that doesn't fit any of your containers.

Spread knowledge, not the virus.
Stay well, stay safe, stay sane, stay home if you can.
We're not done yet. Not nearly.
With thanks to those making the effort, every day, for us all.

Warning: these posts are for 'adults'; people with the ability to think for themselves, take responsibility for their actions, and prepared to work for the greater good. If that isn't you, remember to wash your hands and face with soap regularly and don't touch anything. Stay home. The Internet has plenty of content to entertain you.

2,363. That's the new cases count for Tuesday. 26 additional deaths in Canada. Watch for this number to rise in weeks to come. 17,799 active cases. We still have no idea what range of long-term health consequences are suffered by those labelled as 'recovered'.

The world has moved past 36 million cases, adding over 300,000 yesterday. 5,553 deaths.

COVID-19 News Items

SARS was 'dress rehearsal for COVID-19' yet Canada failed health-care workers, report author says
https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/covid19-health-workers-sars-1.5750439

Families of those awaiting test results no longer required to isolate
https://www.thewhig.com/news/local-news/families-of-those-awaiting-test-results-no-longer-required-to-isolate
Note, this is for an area with low infection rates and does not apply to hot zones like Ottawa, Toronto, Peel, Montreal, Quebec City and a few other communities.

Which leads to this missive. Please read. Especially if you are in a position of authority.
Response to second COVID-19 wave puts the 'mess' into messaging.
https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/don-martin-response-to-second-covid-19-wave-puts-the-mess-into-messaging-1.5135469

Life in the pandemic is confusing. What we know (and think we know) about the virus, transmission, treatments etc. is changing almost daily. The situation varies from area to area; the Atlantic Bubble seems to have things in hand, parts of Toronto sound like a plague zone. That's pretty much the situation on the ground we have to wrestle with. However, medical officers who are being ignored by elected officials to the point they are going around the 'chain of command' to talk directly to the press is another sign that the communications for citizens - many of whom would really like to not even think about this - is a shambles. It falls squarely on elected officials to get this right. They control the media access channels. If you aren't part of the solution, you're part of the problem, and need to get out of the way. Mixed messaging is a form of disinformation.

Get the story right, communicate it clearly, and try to understand the perspective of those you need to be reaching. They likely aren't checking the government websites daily for updates or watching the daily photo-ops (or reading my posts).

Nova Scotia and PEI will adopt COVID Alert, says Health Canada
[dead site: https://www.itworldcanada.com/article/nova-scotia-and-pei-officially-adopt-covid-alert/436642]

Ottawa's COVID Alert tracking app goes live in Quebec
[dead link: https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/ottawa-s-covid-alert-tracking-app-goes-live-in-quebec-1.5133826]

The Canadian government's page "COVID Alert: Exposure notification application privacy assessment"
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/covid-alert/privacy-policy/assessment.html

More technical discussion in a Canadian government blog
https://digital.canada.ca/2020/07/31/continuously-improving-covid-alert/

Face masks: what the data say.
[dead link: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-02801-8] https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-02801-8
My takeaway, the quote at the end of the article:
“Masks work, but they are not infallible. And, therefore, keep your distance.”

CDC revises coronavirus guidance to acknowledge that it spreads through airborne transmission
https://www.cnbc.com/2020/10/05/cdc-revises-coronavirus-guidance-to-acknowledge-that-it-spreads-through-airborne-transmission.html
Spoiler: 2 metres separation is a guideline, not a guarantee of invincibility.

If you won't observe staying home as much as possible and real physical distancing based on the context, a cloth mask likely isn't enough to protect you in many circumstances. (In case you're looking for it, here's the link for the face-shield and curtain device: https://www.econogics.com/c4c/ )

Active COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in Ottawa on the rise
https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/active-covid-19-cases-and-hospitalizations-in-ottawa-on-the-rise-1.5133123

Health Canada approves first rapid antigen COVID-19 test, feds plan to buy 20 million
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/health-canada-antigen-test-abbott-1.5751939

Ten Canadian companies with rapid COVID tests awaiting Health Canada approval
[dead link: https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/ten-canadian-companies-with-rapid-covid-tests-awaiting-health-canada-approval-163215406.html]

COVID-19 modelling shows B.C.'s curve has bent back downward
https://www.cjvr.com/2021/04/30/covid-19-modelling-shows-b-c-bending-the-curve-of-variant-cases/

;-) I had my patience tested.
     I'm negative.

Spread knowledge, not the virus.
Stay well, stay safe, stay sane, stay home if you can.
We're not done yet. Not nearly.
With thanks to those making the effort, every day, for us all.

Warning: these posts are for 'adults'; people with the ability to think for themselves, take responsibility for their actions, and prepared to work for the greater good. If that isn't you, remember to wash your hands and face with soap regularly and don't touch anything. Stay home. The Internet has plenty of content to entertain you.

2,804. That's the number of new COVID-19 cases reported in Canada yesterday (Monday).

That's the highest single day count for Canada during the pandemic.

This isn't the second wave, which will come later. This is a resurgence of the first wave, because we lifted restrictions too soon and too broadly. So now we're going to start locking down again because we're overwhelming the 'system' in the hot spots.

COVID-19 News Items

Positive COVID-19 test rates top 10 percent in Toronto
https://globalnews.ca/video/7382469/positive-covid-19-test-rates-top-10-percent-in-toronto

Big contact tracing study shows role of kids and superspreaders in COVID-19 pandemic
https://www.ctvnews.ca/lifestyle/article/big-contact-tracing-study-shows-role-of-kids-and-superspreaders-in-covid-19-pandemic/

Ontario Revises COVID-19 Screening Guidance for Schools and Child Care
https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/58629/ontario-revises-covid-19-screening-guidance-for-schools-and-child-care

COVID numbers almost double in a day at English public school board
https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/covid-numbers-almost-double-in-a-day-at-english-public-school-board

'I'm sounding the alarm': Etches issues dire warning as COVID-19 continues rapid spread
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/covid19-ottawa-hospital-cases-1.5747594

Retirement and long-term care homes still facing serious staffing shortage entering into second wave
https://www.kitchenertoday.com/local-news/retirement-and-long-term-care-homes-still-facing-serious-staffing-shortage-entering-into-second-wave-2754607

Ontario closes COVID-19 testing centres for one day with some exceptions
https://www.ottawamatters.com/local-news/ontario-closes-covid-19-testing-centres-for-one-day-with-some-exceptions-2766500
One good thing might come of this, tests by appointment instead of waiting in line outdoors for hours with other possibly infected people and no guarantee you will get tested.

Thinksgiving is just 6 days away.
Coronavirus: Toronto's top doctor asks to "rethink" Thanksgiving plans amid 2nd wave
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hn1x9RL102M
Celebrate Thanksgiving with household members only, says Etches
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/thanksgiving-recommendations-ottawa-public-health-1.5751216
Canada's public health communications meltdown here just in time for Thanksgiving
https://nationalpost.com/opinion/chris-selley-canadas-public-health-communications-meltdown-here-just-in-time-for-thanksgiving

Canada is running out of time to prevent COVID-19 resurgence
https://www.nationalobserver.com/2020/10/04/news/canada-running-out-time-prevent-covid-19-resurgence

Watson proclaims 'Safe at Home' week to focus on home health care for seniors
https://www.ottawamatters.com/local-news/watson-proclaims-safe-at-home-week-to-focus-on-home-health-care-for-seniors-2760136

Millions of coronavirus rapid tests won’t arrive for months: Health Canada
https://globalnews.ca/news/7373108/coronavirus-rapid-tests-health-canada/

Rethinking Covid-19 Test Sensitivity — A Strategy for Containment
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp2025631

Ontario's test and trace efforts aren't working well enough, physicians say
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-testing-second-wave-1.5742320

Toronto Public Health limits contact tracing efforts amid soaring COVID-19 infections
https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/toronto-public-health-limits-contact-tracing-efforts-amid-soaring-covid-19-infections-1.5131741

;-) Of course size matters.
     No one wants a small glass of wine.

Spread knowledge, not the virus.
Stay well, stay safe, stay sane, stay home if you can.
We're not done yet. Not nearly.
With thanks to those making the effort, every day, for us all.

Warning: these posts are for 'adults'; people with the ability to think for themselves, take responsibility for their actions, and prepared to work for the greater good. If that isn't you, remember to wash your hands and face with soap regularly and don't touch anything. Stay home. The Internet has plenty of content to entertain you.

Weekend reporting effect likely applies, but Canada reported 1,812 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday and 1,685 on Sunday. The deaths numbers were 53 and 19. Active cases now at 16,412. With the numbers continuing to ramp up in Ontario and Quebec, Ontario has temporarily shut down most testing for yet another reorganization so labs can catch up on a backlog which exceeded 90,000 late last week. The shift to appointment-based testing without an online booking system will likely create a new bottle-neck at telephone-based appointment taking. An easy to implement, proven, secure, Ontario-based, online booking system is available and being used in BC. (commforms.ca)

One week to Thinksgiving Day.

Fortress Fossil Fuels Highlights/Gaslights

Alberta's Oilsands Owe Canadians Far More than They Can Pay
https:https://thetyee.ca/Analysis/2020/09/28/Alberta-Oilsands-Owe-Canadians-Far-More-Pay/

GE: Industrial giant will stop building coal-fired power plants.
https://www.bbc.com/news/business-54242055

White House drops plan to bail out oil refiners denied biofuel waivers –sources https://financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/white-house-drops-plan-to-bail-out-oil-refiners-denied-biofuel-waivers-sources-2

Alberta empties TIER fund in an attempt to create jobs, energy efficiency
https://edmontonjournal.com/news/politics/kenney-promises-tech-money
The 'new economy' money was just used to feed the 'dinosaur economy'.

Saskatchewan banks on abandoned oil and gas cleanup
https://www.nationalobserver.com/2020/09/23/news/saskatchewan-banks-abandoned-oil-and-gas-cleanup
Another taxpayer-funded subsidy for the oil and gas industry. Governments are picking up the tab for cleaning up industry messes, just as industry planned all along, despite public claims by operators and regulators to the contrary. Any future fossil fuel extraction projects realistic financial accrual system for clean up costs, based on existing technology - not fantasies about technology yet to come from industry labs - based on performance bonds or insurance, not company or industry ability (or willingness) to pay.

A little dated, but it provides perspective on the real (as opposed to provided for public consumption) stance of the Canadian federal government on oil spill research.
Canada 'altered' scientific reviews of oil spill research, court hears
https://www.nationalobserver.com/2019/12/16/news/canada-altered-scientific-reviews-oil-spill-research-court-hears

The coal-power fallacy: ignore low-demand forecast, ramp up capacity for costlier energy.
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/prime/environment/the-coal-power-fallacy-ignore-low-demand-forecast-ramp-up-capacity-for-costlier-energy/primearticleshow/78302530.cms

Oil trader Vitol says prices have little room to rise in the next quarter because global demand growth is faltering
https://www.forexlive.com/news/!/oil-giant-vitol-says-prices-rise-in-the-next-quarter-global-demand-growth-is-faltering-20200928

Australia’s fossil fuel industry will collapse within 20 years, Mike Cannon-Brookes says
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/sep/29/qa-australias-fossil-fuel-industry-will-collapse-within-20-years-mike-cannon-brookes-says

Natural resources sector suffers 'steepest decline ever' with 43,000 jobs lost: StatsCan
https://financialpost.com/commodities/energy/natural-resources-sector-suffers-steepest-decline-ever-with-43000-jobs-lost-statscan

The Fracking Industry Is Hurting. Its Future Should Be an Election Issue.
https://thetyee.ca/Analysis/2020/09/29/Fracking-Future-Should-Be-Election-Issue/

Fire breaks out at Hammerfest LNG plant
https://thebarentsobserver.com/en/industry-and-energy/2020/09/fire-break-out-hammerfest-liquid-natural-gas-plant

Coal Dropped from 26.9% of US Electricity to 17.7% in 2 Years [U.S.] — So Much For Trump Saving Coal

US coal suffers one-two punch as plants shut, miner deal nixed
https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/u-s-coal-suffers-one-two-punch-as-plants-shut-miner-deal-nixed-1.1501165

Cleanup of abandoned oil and gas wells could cost Texans $117 billion
[dead link: https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/texas-taxpayers-could-face-dollar117b-cost-to-clean-up-orphan-oil-and-gas-wells/ar-BB19BJNA] https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/texas-taxpayers-could-face-dollar117b-cost-to-clean-up-orphan-oil-and-gas-wells/ar-BB19BJNA

Suncor Energy to cut staff by up to 15% over next year and a half
https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/energy-suncor-layoffs-1.5748212

It’s His Land. Now a Canadian Company Gets to Take It.
https://www.propublica.org/article/its-his-land-now-a-canadian-company-gets-to-take-it

;-) On Mercury, a day lasts 1,408 hours.
     Just like every Monday does on Earth.
      - Rick Sutter

Spread knowledge, not the virus.
Stay well, stay safe, stay sane, stay home if you can.
We're not done yet. Not nearly.
With thanks to those making the effort, every day, for us all.

Warning: these posts are for 'adults'; people with the ability to think for themselves, take responsibility for their actions, and prepared to work for the greater good. If that isn't you, remember to wash your hands and face with soap regularly and don't touch anything. Stay home. The Internet has plenty of content to entertain you.

Canada reported 2,194 new cases on Friday, and 90 deaths, with Ontario announcing previously unreported cases from previous months. Similarly, 90 deaths were reported, including 74 deaths from earlier in the pandemic in Ontario. Ontario's testing backlog is now over 90,000, so the province is now curtailing testing for citizens to try to catch up on the aging tests already in the queue.

The world is expected to surpass 35 million cases today.

Using COVID-19 for Cover

Three First Nations file suit against Ford government over lack of consultation on forestry
https://www.nationalobserver.com/2020/09/22/news/three-first-nations-file-suit-against-ford-government-over-lack-consultation

Pandemic has cleared the way for Doug Ford's plans to privatize education
https://rabble.ca/blogs/bloggers/views-expressed/2020/09/pandemic-has-cleared-way-doug-fords-plans-privatize-education
Hmmm, is it possible that the Ontario PC government is more scheming than inept?

Schools Re-opening

Keep kids with COVID-19 symptoms at home, Sudbury health unit says
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/covid-19-symptoms-testing-sudbury-1.5741801

Eight Ottawa schools reporting COVID-19 outbreaks
https://www.ottawamatters.com/local-news/eight-ottawa-schools-reporting-covid-19-outbreaks-2747509

Schools scramble to make up for learning losses that have already occurred in the pandemic
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/pandemic-learning-gap-1.5732441

As COVID-19 cases rise, parents sound alarm about class sizes in elementary schools
https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/class-sizes-3

Rocky first week of TDSB's Virtual School leaves some parents feeling 'completely in the dark'
https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2020/09/29/rocky-first-week-of-tdsbs-virtual-school-leaves-some-parents-feeling-completely-in-the-dark.html

Schools scramble to plug staffing shortages as teachers self-isolate
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/teacher-shortage-ottawa-schools-1.5745309

West Nipissing school bus drivers threaten walkout
https://www.nugget.ca/news/local-news/west-nipissing-school-bus-drivers-threaten-walkout

Thousands of Toronto students to switch between online and in-class learning
https://nationalpost.com/pmn/news-pmn/canada-news-pmn/thousands-of-toronto-students-to-switch-between-online-and-in-class-learning

;-) In 20 years, when kids ask about the 2020 toilet paper shortage,
     I'm telling them we had to drag our butts across the lawn.
     In the snow. Uphill. Both ways.

Spread knowledge, not the virus.
Stay well, stay safe, stay sane, stay home if you can.
We're not done yet. Not nearly.
With thanks to those making the effort, every day, for us all.

Warning: these posts are for 'adults'; people with the ability to think for themselves, take responsibility for their actions, and prepared to work for the greater good. If that isn't you, remember to wash your hands and face with soap regularly and don't touch anything. Stay home. The Internet has plenty of content to entertain you.

Canada reported 1,777 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, and 22 deaths.

Yesterday, the UK surpassed the 460,000 mark for COVID-19 cases, and 42,200 deaths. The death rate for those confirmed COVID cases is about 9.2%. The lowest daily case count since Sept. 23rd inclusive is over 5,600.

Italy reported over 2,500 new cases yesterday, it's highest number since April 24th.

The U.S. will push past 7.5 million cases today. It continues to add about 1,000 deaths a day to the tally. The only positive thing I have heard out of the U.S. President on COVID-19 since it began (if true, and I really just couldn't help myself with that line).
Trump has tested positive for COVID-19. A look at where he's traveled and who he's been with these past seven days
[dead link: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/trump-has-tested-positive-for-covid-19-a-look-at-where-hes-traveled-and-who-hes-been-with-these-past-seven-days/ar-BB19CYzO] https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/trump-has-tested-positive-for-covid-19-a-look-at-where-hes-traveled-and-who-hes-been-with-these-past-seven-days/ar-BB19CYzO

The world added over 315,000 new cases and over 8,800 deaths on Thursday.

I wonder what it will take for western political leaders to believe this is actually a health emergency, and not foremost a 'save the economy first' financial problem. Am I the only one that thinks if we beat down the pandemic to the point we can SAFELY move back to more normal economic activity, that this is the rational route back to quasi-'normal'? How many dead people is OK to save a job? By my math, that answer is zero, because we need living people to fill jobs.

Digital Deception

When coffee makers are demanding a ransom, you know IoT is screwed
https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2020/09/how-a-hacker-turned-a-250-coffee-maker-into-ransom-machine/

New homeowner 'freaked out' when stranger took control of her security system
https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/security-system-app-homeowner-stranger-1.5733444

“Joker”—the malware that signs you up for pricey services—floods Android markets
https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2020/09/joker-the-malware-that-signs-you-up-for-pricey-services-floods-android-markets/

'BlueLeaks' data breach involved 38 Canadian police forces
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/blueleaks-published-thousands-of-documents-from-canadian-police-agencies-1.5734311

Ottawa-based Shopify says two 'rogue' employees involved in data breach to obtain customer records
https://www.ottawamatters.com/local-news/ottawa-based-shopify-says-two-rogue-employees-involved-in-data-breach-to-obtain-customer-records-2735099

Your personal data is the currency of the digital age
https://theconversation.com/your-personal-data-is-the-currency-of-the-digital-age-146386
"The customer is the product" - sounds vaguely familiar.

Top-secret records show New Brunswick, Alberta companies received millions in suspicious transfers
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/fincen-files-icij-nb-1.5734110

Americans Have Lost $145 Million in COVID-19 Fraud
https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20200924/americans-have-lost-145-million-dollars-in-covid-19-fraud

Cyber Security Today – Ransomware hits multiple global organizations and public services, and a useful report from Microsoft
[dead site: https://www.itworldcanada.com/article/cyber-security-today-ransomware-hits-insurance-company-hospital-chain-a-government-services-provider-and-a-school-board-and-a-useful-report-from-microsoft/436401]

2 Telus Health medical service providers pay ransom after 60K client files accessed
https://toronto.citynews.ca/2020/09/30/2-telus-health-medical-service-providers-pay-ransom-after-60k-client-files-accessed/

;-) Whoever said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing
     over and over again and expecting different results, has obviously
     never had to reboot a computer.
      ~ William Petersen

Spread knowledge, not the virus.
Stay well, stay safe, stay sane, stay home if you can.
We're not done yet. Not nearly.
With thanks to those making the effort, every day, for us all.

Warning: these posts are for 'adults'; people with the ability to think for themselves, take responsibility for their actions, and prepared to work for the greater good. If that isn't you, remember to wash your hands and face with soap regularly and don't touch anything. Stay home. The Internet has plenty of content to entertain you.

1,797 new COVID-19 cases and 6 deaths in Canada on Wednesday. Active cases near 14,000 and rising fast.

The U.S. will hit 7.5 million cases today, and passed 210,000 deaths yesterday.

Worldwide, we added almost 300,000 new cases, and over 5,800 deaths, in one day. These numbers have been remarkably steady since July, coming mostly from the equatorial region and northern Hemisphere.

Flu season is still to come for those zones.

COVID-19 News Items

The Big Story Podcast: On the front lines as COVID-19 surges in Ontario
https://www.ottawamatters.com/the-big-story/on-the-front-lines-as-covid-19-surges-in-ontario-2753938
Today, start here: if you are looking for a quick catch up on COVID-19, particularly in Ontario, and can afford the 27 minutes, listen to this podcast with Dr. Michael Warner.

Quebec gives police legal tools to enter homes quickly to stop gatherings during COVID-19
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/public-health-restrictions-quebec-covid-19-1.5745046
Now, we're getting serious about COVID-19 in Quebec.

Feds announce plan to buy 7.9 million rapid COVID tests as Health Canada defends slow response
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/feds-rapid-testing-purchase-1.5743171

Health Canada approves rapid COVID testing device as Canada braces for caseload spikes
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/health-canada-approves-id-now-1.5744768

Huge Study of Coronavirus Cases in India Offers Some Surprises to Scientists
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/30/health/covid-india-children.html

The Overlooked Variable That's Driving the Pandemic
https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2020/09/k-overlooked-variable-driving-pandemic/616548/

'We feel like we have been left on our own': Lab staff say they are underfunded and frustrated.
https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/we-feel-like-we-have-been-left-on-our-own-lab-staff-say-they-are-underfunded-and-frustrated

'Do not expand assessment centres,' memo from province tells local health officials.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/do-not-expand-assessment-centres-memo-from-province-tells-local-health-officials-1.5742892
This one leaves me boggled. The community spread is clearly on the rise. Students and workers have to obtain negative test results in order to return to class or work. Health officials need better data to inform their decision making. What few pharmacies actually can do testing are limited to people who are asymptomatic. To my mind, this approach is reminiscent of a meme in the U.S. to the effect that doing more testing causes more infections. We need more testing, better testing (fewer false positive and false negative results), faster results and better contact tracing.

Coronavirus: New global test will give results 'in minutes'.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-54331921

Leaders must do more to reassure Canadians on COVID Alert app, says tech lawyer
https://www.itworldcanada.com/article/leaders-must-do-more-to-reassure-canadians-on-covid-alert-app-says-tech-lawyer/436288

Quebec abandons opposition to federal COVID app as province is swamped with new cases
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/quebec-covid-alert-contact-tracing-app-1.5743287
At the time Quebec rejected the app in August, they cited data security concerns. Their statement reversing course does not address those earlier concerns. If jurisdictions really believe the app has value, they need to back that up with action. E.g., if you have the app, and it tells you that you have been exposed, you should get some sort of priority for testing, which doesn't include standing outside for hours hoping you won't be turned away at the end of the day. Hmmm, maybe an online system where you could book an appointment. Maybe even linked to the app you have on your phone that told you may have been exposed. Crazy stuff I know (except I used to do this kind of systems work once upon a time, and it shouldn't be that difficult).

Long-term care homes have been tipped off about inspections 'for 10 years': transcript.
https://ipolitics.ca/2020/09/28/long-term-care-homes-have-been-tipped-off-about-inspections-for-10-years-transcript/

Fewer COVID-19 deaths in B.C. than Ontario long-term care credited to funding, policy
https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/long-term-care-covid-19-ontario-bc-1.5744857

$52.5M pledged for health care workers as second wave of COVID continues
https://blackburnnews.com/windsor/windsor-news/2020/09/28/52-5m-pledged-health-care-workers-second-wave-covid-continues/
I wonder how much of that will actually get to the workers. I continue to hear stories of workers told they would receive 'pandemic pay', but still have not seen it.
B.C. government says pandemic pay promised in mid-May coming in October
https://www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/article/bc-government-says-pandemic-pay-promised-in-mid-may-coming-in-october/

Province aiming to recruit 3700 more workers to counter second wave of coronavirus
https://www.cp24.com/news/province-aiming-to-recruit-3-700-more-workers-to-counter-second-wave-of-coronavirus-1.5122774
Well, let's see, Ontario hospitals just laid off over 100 nurses in one story I shared here recently. We were talking about the second wave to hit this fall back in April. So there has been time to entice more PSWs into training since then. Nurses is tougher, that's a 4-year program.

'People have quit, we get new PSWs and they don't stay:' long-term care workers
https://www.mykawartha.com/news-story/10207435--people-have-quit-we-get-new-psws-and-they-don-t-stay-long-term-care-workers/

Ontario's COVID-19 data suggests new cases could reach 1000 per day by mid-October
[dead link: https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/ontario-s-covid-19-data-suggests-new-cases-could-reach-1-000-per-day-by-mid-october-1.5126032

COVID-19 in Canada will get worse before it gets better, and here's why
https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/r-number-1.5742535

A study’s surprising revelation about which post-secondary students are faring better under the pandemic
[dead link: https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/other/a-study-s-surprising-revelation-about-which-post-secondary-students-are-faring-better-under-the-pandemic/ar-BB19y008] https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/other/a-study-s-surprising-revelation-about-which-post-secondary-students-are-faring-better-under-the-pandemic/ar-BB19y008

City said shelters were all physically distanced despite knowing they weren’t, new court documents claim
https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2020/09/28/city-said-shelters-were-all-physically-distanced-despite-knowing-they-werent-new-court-documents-claim.html

Ottawa Public Health releases coronavirus data by neighbourhood
[dead link: https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/ottawa-public-health-releases-pandemic-data-by-neighbourhood-1.5123596]

Big COVID numbers need context
https://torontosun.com/opinion/columnists/lilley-big-covid-numbers-need-context

;-) Thank goodness it's Friday!!
     What's that? Only Thursday?! I really don't like COVID-time.

Spread knowledge, not the virus.
Stay well, stay safe, stay sane, stay home if you can.
We're not done yet. Not nearly.
With thanks to those making the effort, every day, for us all.

For earlier entries, see earlier blog file.
For the current blog, see the Econogics Blog.

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